Open-hearted joys 開開心心 65
Amidst the flurry of New Year chatter and content, I have absolutely loved starting my 2024 as quiet as I can. It’s been an emotional start to the year for reasons still unbeknownst to me, but we’re getting there! Booking in some of the experiences that my boyfriend and I were gifted for Christmas definitely helps 😉 I’m hoping that this prep-work month means that the rest of the year will feel even more in-tune with what I want: it’s kinda fun ruminating it all and making plans in my journal almost every night.
There’s a lot to be said for appreciating the smaller, not necessarily finer, details of the everyday mundane. Here’s to another list of petite, open-hearted joys, the moments that’ve brought and woven poetry to my days, this fortnight:


一. The delicious feel of a New Year start. Sorry, I’m one of these people and I do so love how 1st January offers a clean slate and a beautiful quietness. This year, I started it with a glorious dog walk at the lake with Dad and my sister.
二. Soft golden sunlight flooding through dusty windowpanes at the office. A gorgeous respite from Storm Henk, which had been reigning – and raining – down on us for a few days last week.
三. Finishing up & Chai campaign photos and direction for the next two months! You can shop our limited-edition Lunar New Year collection on the website now, and we offer international shipping.
四. Feeling strong at the gym – my happy place.
五. Evenings spent reading Penance by Eliza Clark. I’m enjoying it so far!
六. A quiet day in the office, which meant we could eke out our lunch break to celebrate a colleague’s Christmastime engagement!!
七. The first weekend of 2024: spent at the gym, then for a cosy country pub walk and lunch. Afterwards, my boyfriend and I cooked dinner together (something I love!). And, a Sunday of family time. Just bliss.
八. The Traitors. I didn’t watch it last year, but I’m completely gripped this time around.
九. Snow flurries! We’ve really seen all the weather in England this fortnight. (And so continue my climate change nightmares and anxieties…)
十. A really good sleep. You know the sort where you wake feeling like an actual cloud, pillow creases imprinted on your cheeks, and like you’re actually restored enough to take on the day.
What are some small joys from your life lately?